descontrair
-ir verb. You can use it in simple sentences like 'Eu gosto de descontrair' (I like to relax). You will often see it in the context of hobbies. For example, 'Eu ouço música para descontrair.' It is a great word to add to your vocabulary early on because it helps you describe your feelings and activities more accurately than just using 'bom' (good) or 'contente' (happy). At A1, you might also encounter the adjective 'descontraído' to describe a party or a person. Just think of it as 'casual' or 'relaxed.' If a teacher says 'Descontrai!', they are simply telling you to take a deep breath and not be so nervous about speaking.
descontrair 30秒了解
- Descontrair means to relax, specifically by removing tension or formality.
- It is the opposite of 'contrair' (to contract) and is used for muscles and minds.
- It often appears in the reflexive form 'descontrair-se' when referring to oneself.
- The adjective 'descontraído' describes casual people, clothes, or environments.
The Portuguese verb descontrair is a multifaceted gem in the Lusophone linguistic crown. At its most fundamental level, it represents the act of undoing tension, whether that tension is physical, mental, or social. The word is a morphological masterpiece, constructed from the prefix des- (denoting the reversal of an action) and the verb contrair (to contract or tighten). Therefore, to descontrair is literally to 'un-contract.' While English speakers might immediately reach for the word 'relax,' descontrair often carries a more specific nuance of releasing a pre-existing state of rigidity or formality.
- Physical Release
- In a physiological context, it refers to the loosening of muscles. After a long day of hunching over a computer, your shoulders might be 'contraídos' (contracted). When you finally stretch or take a hot bath, you are helping those muscles to descontrair. It is the transition from a state of readiness or stress to a state of ease.
Depois de uma semana intensa de trabalho, eu só preciso de um momento para descontrair e esquecer os problemas.
- Social Dynamics
- Socially, the word is used to describe the breaking of ice or the lowering of formalities. An 'ambiente descontraído' (relaxed atmosphere) is one where people feel comfortable being themselves, without the pressure of strict etiquette or social anxiety. It is the feeling of a dinner party where the guests have finally stopped being polite and started being real.
Psychologically, descontrair is the antidote to 'ansiedade' (anxiety). It describes the mental shift from a state of hyper-vigilance to a state of calm. It is often used in the reflexive form, descontrair-se, to emphasize that the subject is performing the action upon themselves. For instance, 'Ele precisa de se descontrair' (He needs to relax/unwind). In Brazilian Portuguese, you will often hear the pronoun placed before the verb: 'Ele precisa se descontrair.'
A música suave ajudou os convidados a se descontraírem durante a recepção.
Furthermore, the adjective form descontraído is widely used to describe people, clothing, or settings. A 'pessoa descontraída' is someone easy-going and laid-back. A 'roupa descontraída' refers to casual wear, like jeans and a t-shirt, as opposed to a formal suit. This versatility makes the word indispensable for daily life in Portugal, Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique.
O estilo dele é muito descontraído; ele nunca usa gravata.
- Artistic and Creative Contexts
- In the arts, to descontrair can mean to loosen one's technique. A painter might 'descontrair o traço' (loosen their stroke) to create a more fluid, less rigid piece of art. It implies a move away from perfectionism toward expressionism.
O treinador pediu aos jogadores para descontraírem antes do início da partida.
Ultimately, descontrair is about the transition from a 'high energy/high stress' state to a 'low energy/low stress' state. It is the breath of fresh air after a long meeting, the first sip of wine on a Friday night, and the feeling of kicking off your shoes at home. It is a word that celebrates the human need for rest and the beauty of informality.
Using descontrair correctly involves understanding its grammatical behavior as a regular -ir verb and its frequent use in the reflexive form. In Portuguese, verbs that affect the subject's state of mind or body often require a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, vos). While you can 'descontrair' a situation (transitive), you most often 'descontrair-se' (reflexive) to mean 'to relax oneself.'
- The Reflexive Use
- When you want to say 'I am relaxing,' you would say 'Eu estou a descontrair-me' (European) or 'Eu estou me descontraindo' (Brazilian). The reflexive pronoun is essential here because the action of relaxing is something you are doing to your own body or mind.
Sempre que chego a casa, tento descontrair-me ouvindo música clássica.
- The Non-Reflexive (Transitive) Use
- You can also use the verb to describe the act of making a situation or another person less tense. For example, 'O comediante conseguiu descontrair o público' (The comedian managed to relax the audience). Here, the comedian is the subject, and the audience is the direct object being 'un-tensed.'
Não fiques tão nervoso com o exame; tenta apenas descontrair.
When describing a state rather than an action, we use the past participle descontraído (masculine) or descontraída (feminine). This acts as an adjective. 'O jantar foi muito descontraído' means the dinner was very casual and relaxed. It describes the atmosphere. If you say 'Ele é um rapaz descontraído,' you are describing his personality as being laid-back.
Adoro o ambiente descontraído deste café à beira-mar.
- Using with Auxiliary Verbs
- In everyday speech, descontrair often follows verbs like 'precisar' (to need), 'querer' (to want), or 'conseguir' (to manage/be able to). 'Eu preciso de descontrair' (I need to relax). Note that in European Portuguese, 'precisar' is followed by 'de', while in Brazil, the 'de' is often omitted.
Eles foram para a praia para descontraírem um pouco antes das finais.
Finally, consider the adverbial form descontraidamente. While less common than the adjective, it describes how an action is performed. 'Eles conversavam descontraidamente no jardim' (They were chatting relaxedly/casually in the garden). It adds a layer of ease to the action being described.
In the Lusophone world, descontrair is a word that bridges the gap between the clinical and the casual. You will hear it in a variety of settings, ranging from the corporate boardroom to the sandy beaches of Rio de Janeiro or the historic streets of Lisbon. Understanding these contexts will help you grasp the 'vibe' of the word.
- The Workplace
- In modern, agile work environments, managers often emphasize the need to descontrair to avoid burnout. You might hear a manager say at the start of a team-building event: 'Hoje não vamos falar de trabalho, estamos aqui apenas para descontrair.' It serves as a linguistic permission slip to stop being 'productive' in the traditional sense and start being social.
A empresa organizou um 'happy hour' para a equipa descontrair após o lançamento do projeto.
- Health and Wellness
- In a yoga studio, a gym, or a doctor's office, descontrair is a technical instruction. A physiotherapist might tell you: 'Descontraia os músculos do pescoço' (Relax the muscles in your neck). In meditation apps or guided sessions in Portuguese, the narrator will frequently use the imperative 'Descontraia...' followed by different body parts.
Inspire profundamente e, ao expirar, tente descontrair todo o corpo.
Television and radio also play a big role in the usage of this word. Talk show hosts often describe their programs as 'um espaço para descontrair' (a space to unwind). They want the viewers to feel like they are part of a casual conversation rather than a stiff interview. In music reviews, you might read that an album has a 'ritmo descontraído' (a laid-back rhythm), especially in genres like Bossa Nova or Reggae.
Este novo programa de rádio é perfeito para descontrair durante o trânsito da tarde.
- Social Life and Dating
- When meeting someone for the first time, people often say 'Vamos a um sítio descontraído' (Let's go somewhere casual). It signals that there is no need for formal dress or high expectations. It’s about being low-pressure. If someone is acting too stiff on a date, a friend might advise: 'Tens de te descontrair mais, senão ela vai ficar aborrecida' (You need to loosen up more, otherwise she’ll get bored).
O encontro foi ótimo porque estávamos ambos muito descontraídos.
In summary, wherever there is a transition from 'formal' to 'informal' or 'tense' to 'relaxed,' you will find the word descontrair. It is a word of relief, of comfort, and of social ease.
While descontrair is a relatively straightforward verb, English speakers often stumble over its nuances and its relationship with similar-sounding or similar-meaning words. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Portuguese sound much more authentic.
- Mistake 1: Confusing 'Descontrair' with 'Descansar'
- This is the most frequent error. Descansar means 'to rest' or 'to sleep.' If you are physically tired from running a marathon, you need to descansar. However, if you are stressed about a presentation, you need to descontrair. You can descontrair while being active (like dancing), but you cannot descansar while being active.
Errado: Vou dormir para descontrair. (Unless you mean mental relaxation, 'descansar' is better here).
- Mistake 2: Overusing 'Relaxar'
- Because 'relaxar' sounds exactly like 'relax,' English speakers use it 100% of the time. While 'relaxar' is correct and widely used, relying on it exclusively makes your vocabulary feel 'lazy' or overly influenced by English. Descontrair is often the better choice for social situations or when talking about removing tension (un-contracting).
Correto: A piada ajudou a descontrair o ambiente. (Using 'relaxar' here would be okay, but 'descontrair' is more precise).
- Mistake 3: Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun
- In English, we just say 'I relax.' In Portuguese, you often need the 'me.' Saying 'Eu descontraio' is grammatically possible but often sounds incomplete. 'Eu descontraio-me' (I relax myself) is the standard way to express the personal act of relaxing.
Comum: Preciso descontrair-me um pouco. (Don't forget the '-me'!).
- Mistake 4: Misapplying to Objects
- You generally cannot 'descontrair' a physical object like a rope or a screw. For physical objects that are tight, you use verbs like 'afrouxar' (to loosen) or 'soltar' (to release). Descontrair is almost exclusively for muscles, people, atmospheres, or abstract tensions.
Errado: Podes descontrair este parafuso? (Use 'desapertar' or 'afrouxar' instead).
Finally, be careful with the adjective descontraído. While it means 'relaxed,' it shouldn't be used to mean 'lazy' (preguiçoso) or 'careless' (descuidado). A 'descontraído' person is someone who is calm and at ease, which is usually seen as a positive trait, whereas 'descuidado' is negative.
To truly master Portuguese, you need to know which 'relaxing' word to pull out of your pocket for different occasions. While descontrair is excellent, it lives in a neighborhood of synonyms that each have their own specific 'flavor.'
- Descontrair vs. Relaxar
- Descontrair: Focuses on the removal of tension or formality. It feels more organic and is often used for social atmospheres.
Relaxar: A broader term, often used exactly like the English 'to relax.' It is very common in Brazil and can also mean to 'slacken off' or become less disciplined.
Comparação: 'Vamos descontrair um pouco' (Let's loosen up) vs 'Vamos relaxar na praia' (Let's relax on the beach).
- Descontrair vs. Descansar
- Descontrair: Mental or muscular release of tension. You can be standing up and talking while you descontrair.
Descansar: Pure physical recovery. Usually involves sitting, lying down, or sleeping. It is the remedy for exhaustion.
- Descontrair vs. Tranquilizar-se
- Descontrair: Removing tension to become 'laid-back.'
Tranquilizar-se: To become calm after being upset, angry, or scared. It is about emotional stabilization.
Exemplo: 'Tenta tranquilizar-te, vai correr tudo bem' (Try to calm down, everything will be fine).
- Descontrair vs. Folgar
- Folgar: Often used to mean 'to have a day off' from work. It can also mean to loosen something that is too tight (like a belt).
Descontrair: Is never used to mean 'having a day off' in a technical sense, though you might descontrair on your day off.
In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter distender. This is the direct opposite of 'contender' or 'contrair' in a physical sense. It is often used in medical contexts (distensão muscular) or in political contexts (distensão política - a 'thawing' of relations). However, for everyday social and personal relaxation, descontrair remains the king of the mountain.
How Formal Is It?
趣味小知识
The word 'contract' in English comes from the same root, but Portuguese kept the beautiful logic of simply adding 'des-' to reverse the physical sensation of a muscle cramp or tension.
发音指南
- Pronouncing the 'des-' like 'dez' (ten) with a hard 'z'.
- Forgetting the nasalization of the 'on'.
- Putting the stress on 'tra' instead of 'ir'.
- English speakers often fail to flip the 'r' correctly.
- Mispronouncing the 'i' as a short English 'i' instead of a long 'ee'.
难度评级
The word is easy to recognize due to its Latin roots and clear prefix.
Requires knowledge of -ir verb endings and reflexive pronoun placement.
Nasal 'on' and the 'r' sounds can be tricky for English natives.
Commonly used in speech, usually easy to pick out in context.
接下来学什么
前置知识
接下来学习
高级
需要掌握的语法
Regular -ir verb conjugation in the present tense.
Eu descontraio, tu descontrais, ele descontrai, nós descontraímos, eles descontraem.
Reflexive pronoun placement (European vs Brazilian).
EP: Quero descontrair-me. / BP: Quero me descontrair.
Use of the personal infinitive after prepositions.
Para descontrairmos, fomos dar um passeio.
Agreement of the past participle used as an adjective.
O rapaz descontraído / A rapariga descontraída / Os rapazes descontraídos.
Negative commands with the subjunctive.
Não te descontraias agora!
按水平分级的例句
Eu gosto de descontrair no jardim.
I like to relax in the garden.
Simple infinitive after 'gosto de'.
Ela ouve música para descontrair.
She listens to music to relax.
Use of 'para' + infinitive to show purpose.
O café é um lugar descontraído.
The café is a relaxed place.
'Descontraído' is an adjective here.
Nós descontraímos aos fins de semana.
We relax on weekends.
Present tense, 1st person plural.
Descontrai, está tudo bem!
Relax, everything is fine!
Imperative (informal 'tu').
Eles querem descontrair na praia.
They want to relax on the beach.
Infinitive after the verb 'querer'.
Um banho quente ajuda a descontrair.
A hot bath helps to relax.
Subject is 'Um banho quente'.
Tu descontrais quando lês?
Do you relax when you read?
Present tense, 2nd person singular.
Depois do trabalho, eu preciso de me descontrair.
After work, I need to relax.
Reflexive form with 'me'.
Ontem, nós descontraímos muito na festa.
Yesterday, we relaxed a lot at the party.
Preterite (past) tense.
O professor tentou descontrair os alunos antes do teste.
The teacher tried to relax the students before the test.
Transitive use (acting on the students).
Tu precisas de descontrair os teus ombros.
You need to relax your shoulders.
Physical application of the verb.
Amanhã vamos ao cinema para descontrairmos.
Tomorrow we are going to the cinema to relax.
Personal infinitive (descontrairmos) after 'para'.
Ela é uma pessoa muito descontraída.
She is a very laid-back person.
Adjective in the feminine form.
Não consigo descontrair quando há muito barulho.
I can't relax when there is a lot of noise.
Negative form with 'conseguir'.
Vocês descontraíram durante as férias?
Did you guys relax during the holidays?
Preterite tense, 2nd person plural (vocês).
Se eu tivesse tempo, descontrairia mais vezes.
If I had time, I would relax more often.
Conditional tense (descontrairia).
É essencial que todos se descontraiam durante a pausa.
It is essential that everyone relaxes during the break.
Present subjunctive (descontraiam).
Eles estavam a conversar descontraidamente no sofá.
They were chatting relaxedly on the sofa.
Use of the adverb 'descontraidamente'.
Sempre que ele viaja, ele descontraiu-se completamente.
Whenever he travels, he relaxes completely.
Reflexive use in the present tense.
O ambiente da reunião era pouco descontraído.
The meeting atmosphere was not very relaxed.
Using 'pouco' to negate the adjective.
A massagem ajudou-o a descontrair a musculatura.
The massage helped him relax his muscles.
Infinitive after 'ajudou-o a'.
Não te descontraias antes de terminar o trabalho.
Don't relax before finishing the work.
Negative imperative with reflexive pronoun.
Nós tínhamos descontraído bastante antes da notícia chegar.
We had relaxed quite a bit before the news arrived.
Pluperfect tense (tínhamos descontraído).
O orador usou o humor para descontrair a plateia nervosa.
The speaker used humor to relax the nervous audience.
Transitive usage in a formal context.
Embora estivesse cansado, ele não conseguia descontrair-se.
Although he was tired, he couldn't relax.
Contrast between 'cansado' and 'descontrair-se'.
A política de descompressão visa descontrair as relações diplomáticas.
The decompression policy aims to relax diplomatic relations.
Metaphorical use in a political context.
É fundamental descontrair a mente para potenciar a criatividade.
It is fundamental to relax the mind to boost creativity.
Infinitive as a subject complement.
A descontração é a chave para uma vida equilibrada.
Relaxation is the key to a balanced life.
Use of the noun 'descontração'.
Caso te descontraias demais, podes perder o foco.
If you relax too much, you might lose focus.
Future subjunctive (descontraias).
O estilo descontraído da marca atrai o público jovem.
The brand's casual style attracts a young audience.
Adjective modifying 'estilo'.
Eles descontraíram-se assim que o perigo passou.
They relaxed as soon as the danger passed.
Reflexive preterite.
A obra de arte prima pela descontração do traço e fluidez das cores.
The artwork stands out for the looseness of the stroke and fluidity of colors.
Technical artistic use of the noun.
Seria aconselhável que o governo descontraísse as medidas de austeridade.
It would be advisable for the government to relax the austerity measures.
Imperfect subjunctive (descontraísse).
A sua postura descontraída escondia uma mente extremamente focada.
His relaxed posture hid an extremely focused mind.
Adjective used to create a character contrast.
Não obstante a gravidade da situação, ele manteve-se descontraído.
Despite the gravity of the situation, he remained relaxed.
Formal conjunction 'Não obstante'.
A descontração dos costumes sociais foi um marco daquela década.
The loosening of social customs was a landmark of that decade.
Noun used in a sociological context.
Ao descontrair o corpo, a mente segue o mesmo caminho de serenidade.
By relaxing the body, the mind follows the same path of serenity.
Gerund phrase 'Ao descontrair' (Upon relaxing).
O autor utiliza um tom descontraído para abordar temas complexos.
The author uses a casual tone to approach complex themes.
Adjective describing literary register.
Dificilmente te descontrairás num ambiente tão hostil.
You will hardly relax in such a hostile environment.
Future tense (descontrairás) with negative adverb.
A dialética entre contração e descontração é intrínseca à existência humana.
The dialectic between contraction and relaxation is intrinsic to human existence.
Philosophical use of the noun.
O virtuosismo do pianista permitia-lhe descontrair a técnica sem perder a precisão.
The pianist's virtuosity allowed him to loosen his technique without losing precision.
Metaphorical use in high-level performance.
Urge que se descontraiam os mecanismos de controlo burocrático.
It is urgent that bureaucratic control mechanisms be relaxed.
Passive reflexive with subjunctive.
A sua escrita, embora erudita, possui uma descontração quase coloquial.
His writing, although scholarly, possesses an almost colloquial ease.
Noun used to describe stylistic balance.
A descontração muscular é um pré-requisito para o sono profundo e reparador.
Muscle relaxation is a prerequisite for deep and restorative sleep.
Technical/Scientific register.
Pudesse eu descontrair-me de todas as preocupações mundanas!
If only I could relax from all worldly worries!
Optative use of the subjunctive (Pudesse eu).
O diplomata logrou descontrair o impasse que paralisava as negociações.
The diplomat succeeded in loosening the impasse that was paralyzing negotiations.
Transitive use with abstract object 'impasse'.
A efemeridade do momento convida a uma descontração total do ser.
The ephemerality of the moment invites a total relaxation of the being.
Existential/Poetic register.
常见搭配
常用短语
— Used to justify an action as being purely for fun or relaxation. It means 'Just to loosen up.'
Vamos beber uma cerveja só para descontrair.
— A standard way to describe a casual setting. It emphasizes both the lack of rules and the ease of feeling.
A festa terá um ambiente informal e descontraído.
— A common expression of stress relief. It shows the need for a break.
Depois desta reunião, preciso de descontrair um pouco.
— Advice given to someone who is too worried to enjoy themselves. It means 'Relax and enjoy.'
Estás de férias! Descontrai e aproveita o sol.
— To describe an action taken to break the ice or reduce tension. It is often used with jokes or music.
Ele contou uma piada para descontrair o ambiente.
— To have a philosophical, easy-going approach to existence. It means being unbothered by small things.
Ele está sempre descontraído com a vida, nada o abala.
— Casual clothing. Not formal or business attire.
Podem vir de roupa descontraída para o churrasco.
— A relaxed or casual manner of doing something or behaving.
Ele tem um jeito descontraído de falar que cativa as pessoas.
— To engage in mental relaxation. To stop thinking about stressful topics.
Ler poesia ajuda-me a descontrair a mente.
— To become more relaxed over time. It describes the process of warming up to a situation.
Com o tempo, ele começou a ficar mais descontraído connosco.
容易混淆的词
Descansar is for physical rest/sleep. Descontrair is for removing tension/stress.
Very similar, but relaxar is often an anglicism and descontrair is more specific to 'un-tightening'.
Distrair means 'to distract.' Don't confuse the 'des-' with 'dis-'!
习语与表达
— To live life in a relaxed way, without taking things too seriously. It suggests resilience against stress.
Apesar dos problemas, ele leva a vida de forma descontraída.
neutral— Literally 'to loosen the moorings,' but used metaphorically to mean letting go of constraints or inhibitions.
Naquele festival, todos descontraíram as amarras sociais.
literary— To make a conscious effort to relax or to make others feel at ease.
Eu fiz por descontrair, mas a situação era muito tensa.
neutral— Slangy way of saying 'to be in the mood to relax.' Very common among young people in Portugal.
Hoje não quero confusões, estou numa de descontrair.
informal— To let out a laugh that was being held back. To finally find something funny after being serious.
A palhaçada foi tal que ele finalmente descontraiu o riso.
neutral— To make someone feel comfortable. Usually through hospitality or conversation.
Ela tem o dom de pôr qualquer pessoa descontraída.
neutral— To slow down one's walking pace. To stop rushing.
Ao chegar ao parque, descontraiu o passo para apreciar a vista.
poetic— To stop staring intensely. To look at something with a more soft or general focus.
Descontrai o olhar e tenta ver a imagem como um todo.
artistic— To be incapable of relaxing. To always be 'on' or stressed.
O meu chefe é workaholic, ele não sabe descontrair.
neutral— A deep, almost spiritual form of relaxation. To find peace for the soul.
A viagem à Índia serviu para descontrair o espírito.
formal容易混淆
Both relate to feeling better after work.
Descansar is about replenishing energy (rest). Descontrair is about releasing tension (relax).
Vou descansar (sleep). Vou descontrair (watch a movie).
Similar spelling/prefix.
Distrair means to lose focus or entertain. Descontrair means to loosen up.
Não me distraias (don't distract me). Deixa-me descontrair (let me relax).
Direct translation of 'relax'.
Relaxar can sometimes imply laziness or slackness. Descontrair is almost always positive.
Ele relaxou no trabalho (he got lazy). Ele descontraiu no trabalho (he became less stressed).
Both mean 'to loosen'.
Afrouxar is for physical objects (screws, ropes). Descontrair is for muscles/minds.
Afrouxa o cinto. Descontrai os ombros.
Formal synonyms for rest.
Repousar is more about stillness and lack of movement. Descontrair can be active.
O doente deve repousar. Vamos descontrair a dançar.
句型
Eu [verb] para descontrair.
Eu danço para descontrair.
Eu preciso de [reflexive pronoun] descontrair.
Eu preciso de me descontrair.
O ambiente era [adjective] e descontraído.
O ambiente era calmo e descontraído.
Apesar de [stressful situation], ele descontraiu.
Apesar do trânsito, ele descontraiu.
Ao [verb], consegues descontrair a mente.
Ao meditares, consegues descontrair a mente.
A descontração de [abstract noun] é fundamental.
A descontração de normas sociais é fundamental.
Nada como [noun/activity] para descontrair.
Nada como um chá para descontrair.
Tenta descontrair os [body part].
Tenta descontrair os braços.
词族
名词
动词
形容词
相关
如何使用
High in social and wellness contexts.
-
Using 'descontrair' for sleeping.
→
Vou descansar.
Descontrair is about tension release, while descansar is about energy recovery. You don't 'descontrair' to sleep.
-
Saying 'Eu descontraio' instead of 'Eu me descontraio'.
→
Eu me descontraio / Eu descontraio-me.
When the action is performed on oneself, the reflexive pronoun is usually required in Portuguese.
-
Using 'descontraído' as a negative word for 'lazy'.
→
Ele é preguiçoso.
Descontraído is almost always a positive adjective meaning relaxed. Preguiçoso means lazy.
-
Confusing 'descontrair' with 'distrair'.
→
A música ajuda-me a descontrair.
Distrair means to distract or entertain. Descontrair means to relax tension. They are not the same.
-
Applying 'descontrair' to physical objects like screws.
→
Podes afrouxar o parafuso?
Descontrair is for muscles and minds. Afrouxar is for physical objects that are tight.
小贴士
Build Word Families
Always learn 'descontrair' alongside 'contração' and 'descontraído'. Knowing the family makes it easier to remember the core meaning of 'undoing tension'.
Reflexive Pronouns
Practice saying 'Eu me descontraio' (Brazil) and 'Eu descontraio-me' (Portugal) until it feels natural. The reflexive form is very common for this verb.
Social Cues
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, being 'descontraído' is a highly valued social trait. It suggests you are approachable and easy to talk to.
Nasal Vowels
Pay close attention to the 'on' in 'descontrair'. Nasal vowels are a signature of Portuguese and getting them right makes you sound much more native.
Adjective Use
Use 'descontraído' to describe your weekend or your outfits in your journal. It’s a great way to practice agreement (masculine/feminine/plural).
Imperative Practice
Practice saying 'Descontrai!' with different intonations—one for a friend who's worried about a test, and one for someone who's being too formal.
De-Contract
Remember: Des + Contrair = De + Contract. It's the literal reversal of being tight or 'contracted'.
Context Clues
When you see this word in a text, look for words like 'stress', 'música', or 'ambiente' to confirm which nuance of relaxation is being used.
Physicality
If you play sports, think of 'descontrair' as the state of your muscles when you are playing 'in the zone'—fluid and not jerky.
Fashion Choices
Next time you pick out clothes, ask yourself: 'Esta roupa é descontraída?' It's a great way to integrate the word into your daily thoughts.
记住它
记忆技巧
Think of 'De-Stress' + 'Contract'. You are 'De-Contracting' your muscles and your mind. When you are tense, you are contracted; to relax, you must des-contrair.
视觉联想
Imagine a tightly coiled spring (contraído) suddenly popping open and lying flat and loose (descontraído).
Word Web
挑战
Try to use 'descontraído' to describe three things in your house today. For example: 'A minha cama é descontraída,' 'O meu gato está descontraído,' 'Esta música é descontraída.'
词源
From the Latin prefix 'dis-' (away/apart) and 'contrahere' (to draw together).
原始含义: Literally 'to draw apart what was drawn together.'
Romance (Latinate).文化背景
While 'descontraído' is positive, calling a formal event 'descontraído' might be seen as an insult if it was meant to be serious. Always match the word to the intended level of formality.
English speakers often use 'relax' for everything. In Portuguese, using 'descontrair' shows a higher level of fluency and an understanding of the difference between resting (descansar) and loosening up (descontrair).
在生活中练习
真实语境
After a stressful event
- Finalmente posso descontrair.
- Preciso de descontrair os nervos.
- Foi um alívio descontrair.
- Nada como um copo de vinho para descontrair.
Social Gatherings
- O ambiente está muito descontraído.
- Vamos descontrair e aproveitar a festa.
- Ele é um anfitrião muito descontraído.
- A conversa fluiu de forma descontraída.
Physical Exercise / Therapy
- Descontrai os ombros.
- Tenta descontrair a respiração.
- A massagem serviu para descontrair.
- Não fiques tão tenso, descontrai.
Fashion and Style
- Usa algo mais descontraído.
- O 'dress code' é descontraído.
- Gosto de roupas largas e descontraídas.
- Um visual descontraído para o fim de semana.
Mental Health
- Meditar ajuda a descontrair a mente.
- Tens de aprender a descontrair mais.
- A descontração é vital para a saúde.
- Sinto-me mais descontraído hoje.
对话开场白
"O que é que costumas fazer para descontrair depois de um dia difícil?"
"Preferes festas formais ou ambientes mais descontraídos?"
"Conheces algum lugar descontraído para irmos jantar hoje?"
"Achas que as pessoas hoje em dia têm dificuldade em descontrair?"
"Qual é a música que mais te ajuda a descontrair a mente?"
日记主题
Descreve um momento em que te sentiste completamente descontraído. Onde estavas e com quem?
Escreve sobre a importância de descontrair no ambiente de trabalho. É possível ser produtivo e descontraído?
Quais são as tuas técnicas favoritas para descontrair os músculos após o exercício físico?
Reflete sobre a diferença entre 'descansar' e 'descontrair'. Como é que aplicas ambos na tua vida?
Descreve a tua ideia de um 'dia descontraído' ideal, do momento em que acordas até ires dormir.
常见问题
10 个问题Generally, no. For physical objects that are tight, you should use 'afrouxar' or 'desapertar.' 'Descontrair' is reserved for muscles, people, and social atmospheres.
In Brazil, 'relaxar' is extremely common, but 'descontrair' is still used frequently, especially in the adjective form 'descontraído' to describe a person's personality or a casual event.
Not always. You use the reflexive 'se' when you are the one relaxing. You use it without the reflexive when you are making someone else or something else (like an atmosphere) relax.
You can simply say 'Descontrai!' (informal) or 'Descontraia!' (formal). It's a very common and polite way to tell someone to stop being so tense.
'Descontraído' is a Portuguese word that covers the meaning of 'casual,' but it also implies a psychological state of being at ease. 'Casual' is often used as a loanword in fashion, but 'descontraído' is the authentic choice.
Yes! If your dog is nervous or tense, you can use 'descontrair' to describe the act of helping him relax, perhaps by petting him or playing.
Yes, 'descontração' is very common. You see it in titles of articles, in gym classes ('exercícios de descontração'), and in social descriptions.
The 'eu' form is 'eu descontraio.' It follows the regular pattern for -ir verbs that have an 'a' before the 'ir'.
No. Unlike 'relaxar,' which can sometimes imply 'slacking off,' 'descontrair' is almost exclusively about the positive release of tension.
The most direct opposite is 'contrair' (to contract). Psychologically, the opposite would be 'stressar' or 'tensar'.
自我测试 200 个问题
Escreva uma frase sobre o que você faz para descontrair no fim de semana.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Descreva uma pessoa descontraída que você conhece.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explique a diferença entre 'descansar' e 'descontrair'.
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Escreva um pequeno parágrafo sobre a importância da descontração no trabalho.
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Como você ajudaria um amigo nervoso a descontrair?
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Escreva uma frase usando o advérbio 'descontraidamente'.
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Use o verbo no futuro: 'Amanhã, nós...'
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Escreva uma frase com 'descontrair os músculos'.
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Crie um diálogo curto entre duas pessoas usando 'Descontrai!'.
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Descreva o seu ambiente de trabalho ideal usando o adjetivo 'descontraído'.
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Escreva sobre um hobby que te ajude a descontrair a mente.
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Use o pretérito perfeito: 'Ontem, eles...'
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Escreva uma frase sobre 'descontrair as tensões políticas'.
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Como a música pode ajudar a descontrair um ambiente?
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Escreva uma frase usando a forma reflexiva 'descontrair-se'.
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Descreva uma peça de roupa descontraída.
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Escreva sobre um lugar na sua cidade que seja muito descontraído.
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Use o condicional: 'Se eu ganhasse a lotaria...'
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Escreva uma frase usando o substantivo 'descontração'.
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Crie uma frase no imperativo formal: 'Por favor, __________.'
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Pronuncie a palavra 'descontrair' focando na sílaba final.
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你说的:
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Diga a frase: 'Eu preciso de me descontrair um pouco.'
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你说的:
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Como você diria 'Chill out!' para um amigo em português?
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你说的:
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Diga o adjetivo 'descontraído' no feminino e no plural.
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你说的:
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Pronuncie o substantivo 'descontração'.
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Explique oralmente o que você faz para descontrair.
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Diga a frase: 'O ambiente aqui é muito descontraído.'
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你说的:
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Pronuncie o advérbio 'descontraidamente'.
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Use o imperativo formal: 'Descontraia, por favor.'
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Diga: 'Nós descontraímos na praia ontem.'
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你说的:
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Pratique o som nasal 'on' em 'descontrair'.
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Diga: 'A massagem ajudou a descontrair os músculos.'
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Como se diz 'a relaxed style' em português?
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Diga: 'Espero que te descontraias nas férias.'
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Repita: 'Só para descontrair o ambiente.'
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Diga: 'Ele é uma pessoa muito descontraída.'
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Pronuncie a conjugação 'descontraímos'.
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Diga: 'Não consigo descontrair com este barulho.'
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Como você descreveria um café casual?
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Diga: 'Vamos descontrair um bocado.'
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Ouça a frase e identifique se a pessoa está relaxada: 'Estou tão descontraído hoje.'
Qual palavra você ouve nesta frase: 'Precisamos de descontrair o ambiente'?
Ouça a entonação: 'Descontrai!' É um conselho ou uma ordem zangada?
Identifique o adjetivo: 'A festa foi muito descontraída.'
Quantas sílabas você ouve em 'descontrair'?
Ouça e complete: 'Eu gosto de __________ música para descontrair.'
A pessoa está falando do corpo ou da mente? 'Descontrai os teus ombros.'
Qual é o tempo verbal? 'Nós descontraímos muito ontem.'
Identifique o substantivo: 'A descontração é necessária.'
Ouça: 'Ele é um chefe descontraído.' O chefe é difícil ou fácil de lidar?
Complete a frase ouvida: 'Vou para casa para me __________.'
Qual é a diferença de som entre 'contrair' e 'descontrair'?
Ouça e identifique o advérbio: 'Eles falavam descontraidamente.'
A pessoa está feliz ou triste? 'Finalmente consegui descontrair!'
Qual é o objeto na frase: 'O humor ajuda a descontrair a plateia.'?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'descontrair' is your go-to verb for 'loosening up.' Whether you are relaxing your muscles after a workout or making a social situation less awkward, this word captures the transition from stiff to comfortable. Example: 'Vamos descontrair!' (Let's loosen up!).
- Descontrair means to relax, specifically by removing tension or formality.
- It is the opposite of 'contrair' (to contract) and is used for muscles and minds.
- It often appears in the reflexive form 'descontrair-se' when referring to oneself.
- The adjective 'descontraído' describes casual people, clothes, or environments.
Build Word Families
Always learn 'descontrair' alongside 'contração' and 'descontraído'. Knowing the family makes it easier to remember the core meaning of 'undoing tension'.
Reflexive Pronouns
Practice saying 'Eu me descontraio' (Brazil) and 'Eu descontraio-me' (Portugal) until it feels natural. The reflexive form is very common for this verb.
Social Cues
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, being 'descontraído' is a highly valued social trait. It suggests you are approachable and easy to talk to.
Nasal Vowels
Pay close attention to the 'on' in 'descontrair'. Nasal vowels are a signature of Portuguese and getting them right makes you sound much more native.
例句
Preciso de um tempo para descontrair depois do trabalho.
相关内容
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a aterragem
A2The act of an aircraft descending to the ground; landing.
a conta, por favor
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a pé
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abarrotado
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abastecer
A2供应必要的物品,例如给汽车加油。
abertura
A2开幕、开放或开启某物的动作。也可以指物理上的孔或缝隙。
acertado
A2这是一个非常明智的 (acertada) 决定。
acessórios
A2Additional items, typically small, that complement something else.
acidente
A2事故是指一个意外发生的不幸事件,通常会导致损害或伤害。这个词在许多语境中都有使用,从车祸到工伤事故。
acolá
A2在那边,那里。 '山在那边。'